Some dates in history are always remembered for what we were doing at that exact time. The 22nd of May in 1962 is just one of those dates - or not. Not a date that springs to mind? I'm not too surprised. Back in 'the day' British TV was a leader in the field of April Fools jokes. From spaghetti trees in Northern Italy to volcanism in Scotland, we were treated to very sophisticated stories that were indeed too good to be true. However, there is one story that has entered the rarefied heights of cult and conspiracy stardom. In 1977, Anglia TV showed an episode of the programe Science Report called Alternative 3. Although the show was dated April 1st, it was actually shown in June of that year due to strikes and other issues. Alternative 3 was purported to be a plan for the remnants of the population of the Earth after the inevitable global warning renders our planet uninhabitable for Homo Sapiens Sapiens. The show was initially looking into the 'brain drain' from the UK and then dived into the murky pool of disappearing scientists and specialists. According the bits of evidence discovered, there had been much more collaboration between NASA and the Soviets resulting in a base on the Moon and a landing on Mars to create a community of survivors. A piece of film supposed to be a record of a landing in May of 1962 was shown that was also showing evidence of life on the red planet. Since being shown just once, conspiracy theorists have maintained that the program was real and that the government tried to cover it up by pretending it was a joke. Some of the more radical Christian groups also latched on to the story as 'proof' of the end times. I must admit, I caught the last part of this show when I was coming home from work that day and it almost convinced me - until I saw the end credits. See what you think.
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